Playgrounds and things to do with kids in New York

Your kid can splash by the hippo sculptures in summer, play in sand and try the slides under shady trees.

Your kid can cross pyramid-like structures, try the slides and play in sand near The Met.

Your kid can try granite slides at different heights, scramble through tree houses and experiment with sand and water.

Your kid can climb through the rope dome and talk through the play tubes beneath the shade canopy.

Your kid can race down the long granite slide, cross a rustic bridge and try a net climber.

Your kid can use the classic play equipment and seasonal water area, with a public restroom close by.

Your kid can try age-sized climbing structures, swings and the enclosed seasonal sprinkler.

Your kid can climb the 64-foot pipefish-shaped slide and cool off around the water features in warm weather.

Your kid can climb at the small playground and run through seal-shaped sprinklers in warm weather.

Your kid can choose a climber sized for crawlers, toddlers or bigger kids, then try the rope web and slides.

Your kid can admire two giant dinosaur sculptures, climb the play structures and cool off in the seasonal spray.

Your kid can climb the tree-house-style structure, swing and cool off at the seasonal sprinklers.

Your kid can splash at the seasonal water feature, climb the rock-like structures and use a separate little-kid play area.

Your kid can use the smaller tot play area or climb and swing in the older-kid space.

Your kid can choose the smaller gated play area or tackle the tall rope climber and twisting slide.

Your kid can build with big loose foam blocks, move sand and try the seasonal water feature.

Your toddler can explore a small, quieter play space before a picnic under the shady trees.

Your younger kid can try low swings and climbing pieces in a gated play space, with a summer spray shower.

Your kid can switch between age-sized climbing structures, dig in the sand and splash when the water play is running.

Your kid can climb the play structures, swing and splash at the seasonal water features beside the river.

Your kid can climb inside giant sturgeon, slide back out and explore how fish live in the Hudson.

Your kid can climb a pretend boat, dig in sand and splash in the seasonal stream by the Hudson.

Your kid can explore big and small climbing areas, sandboxes and a hand-powered merry-go-round near the waterfront.

Your kid can play in the park’s playground and cool down at the spray showers in warm weather.

Your kid can climb the tree-house structures or play in the younger-kid area across the bridge.

Your kid can slip down the long slide, hop between rocks and play in the sand and seasonal water area.

Your kid can swing and try sensory-friendly play in a shady park with room to picnic.

Your kid can choose among three age-varied playgrounds, run across the lawn and look for butterflies in the garden.

Your toddler can play on ground-level equipment in a designated smaller-kid area beside the park.

Your kid can climb, swing and dig in the sand, with water play when the season is on.

Your kid can settle into a colorful reading space, browse picture books and join a storytime program.

Your kid can explore toy demonstrations and take a turn dancing on the giant floor piano.

Your kid can follow the old elevated train tracks, spot public art and take a break on the lawn near 23rd Street.

Your kid can explore winding paths and boulder scrambles, then find free morning play or performances when scheduled.

Your kid can experiment at the interactive fountain in warm weather and picnic on the pier lawn.

Your kid can play music on a marimba, experiment with light and try hands-on art materials.

Your kid can stand under the giant blue whale, see dinosaur fossils and explore the butterfly exhibit.

Your kid can ride a carved horse or take a gentler seat in a chariot on the historic carousel.

Your kid can watch sea lions swim, spot penguins through the glass and meet goats in the small zoo area.

Your kid can paint at a mural wall and try hands-on play spaces built for ages 0 to 6.

Your kid can move through colorful hands-on rooms and play in a giant blue ball pit.

Your kid can use interactive displays to explore New York history and join hands-on programs.

Your kid can look through a glass floor 100 stories up and pick out landmarks from the outdoor sky deck.

Your kid can sit in a helicopter cockpit at the Exploreum and see aircraft on a real carrier deck.

Your kid can take a gentle spin on the small carousel animals and use the nearby creative corner.

Your kid can learn Chinese American stories through museum objects and join a story or art activity when one is scheduled.

Your older kid can follow young people’s stories through interactive scenes about the rescue of Jews in Denmark.

Your kid can ride a hand-carved Hudson Valley animal, from a duck to a bear, beside the river.

Your kid can ride in a glowing fish and imagine swimming through an underwater world.

Your kid can test slime textures and scents, then mix a custom slime to take home.

Your kid can step aboard a tall ship, turn the wheel and try hands-on activities about life at sea.

Your kid can ask a costumed interpreter about life as a young immigrant in a 1916 tenement.

Your kid can try a simulated archaeology dig and explore the tactile art wall at the learning center.

Your kid can explore the Temple of Dendur and see knights’ armor, then sketch a favorite work.